winterize a enclosed trailer for sleeping

[jimmyg75]

I just bought a 16.5x8.5 enclosed used royal sled trailer. I am thinking of cutting some costs this winter by making it usable for sleeping in. Has anyone out there done this set up themselves? Is it worth the effort? Or is it just not comfortable (heat wise).

I am thinking I would need to insulate the trailer for sure. But as for heat is there a fairly inexpensive way to heat a trailer for temps that are likely below 20 ish during the cool winter nights? Whatever heater used your likely going to need some sort of exhaust outlet I would imagine.

I would appreciate any help offered.

Cheers

 

[overkill131313]

are you going to be able to plug in or do you want to "camp" right at the beginning of your ride? this makes a huge differance from propane furnance to an electric heater! installing a shower or just going to stop at the local husky?

 

[Longhairfreak]

are you going to be able to plug in or do you want to "camp" right at the beginning of your ride? this makes a huge differance from propane furnance to an electric heater! installing a shower or just going to stop at the local husky?

Make sure you listen to this guy. He is the best there is when it comes to year round trailer living.

 

[Work2Ride]

 

[gotboost]

well getting this back on track u will need to get the bottom of the trailer spray foamed and for the heater i wouldn't cheap out get the forced air furnace u can get them ones that screw on a 20 pound propane bottle but this WILL KILL U the carbon monoxide will get u seen this on the news some kids were using them style on heater and it KILLED THEM so not sure what ur life cost but get forced air with duct work and vented out side u should be fine and good luck

 

[gotboost]

oh and the ones we use in the well shacks are cata-dyne heaters there is no flames u hook up booster cables to it for about 20 mins to get it hot turn the propane on and its a chemical reaction that keeps them going very hot and they can run off propane might be another way u can go

 

[gotboost]

here is a pic u can google it to get more info on these heaters

 

[Orrin]

I seen guys use a generator and several electric heaters as well, insulation is key to doing this as the electric heaters don't put out like a propane heater. There are propane tent heaters you could use but I have no experience with these.

 

[Longhorn]

I am pretty sure that by time you insulate and heat a trailer properly there would be quite a few nights of hotel accrued...just sayin

 

[goodngrubby]

I am pretty sure that by time you insulate and heat a trailer properly there would be quite a few nights of hotel accrued...just sayin

That's a big 10-4, good buddy. By the time you pay for all the spray foam, heaters, generators, batteries, etc., a few guys splitting the cost of a hotel room with a warm shower and clean sheets isn't that bad. One sleepless night counters anything you may have saved by rigging up your trailer. Besides, where do you put your sleds while your sprawled out on the floor sleeping?

 

[flabbajabba]

Last time I checked they don't want you in the staging areas overnight. Walmart's are ok if you have to!

 

[Transporter]

Bad Idea. And the Cata-dyne heaters are a bad idea too I figure they use oxygen out of the air and will leave only carbon dioxide they require alot of venting not the best choice.

 

[RETODD]

Northstar Flameless -- Recreational Heaters

 

[maierch]

The only really good way to do this would be with a large toy hauler with a big enough garage to fit a couple of sleds. Anything else I think you're just setting yourself up for a long cold night with no hot shower or hot breakfast!

 

[fat tire]

The only really good way to do this would be with a large toy hauler with a big enough garage to fit a couple of sleds. Anything else I think you're just setting yourself up for a long cold night with no hot shower or hot breakfast!

Yep thats what the toyhaulers are for ..and the* enclosed heated underbelly are options for a reason........ just my 2 cents...........they are not fun too pull around in the winter though.............a bit too heavy for winter funzy.

 

[Longhairfreak]

Yep thats what the toyhaulers are for ..and the* enclosed heated underbelly are options for a reason........ just my 2 cents...........they are not fun too pull around in the winter though.............a bit too heavy for winter funzy.

Ya but there is people that live in them all year. How do they do it?

 

[shawnmcgr]

Thier was a guy out of Calgary that had his enclosed heated with a marine diesel heater. He had a chimmney he attached when he got to the parking lot. Otherwise I would think any propoane heater, properly installed (cold air combustion intake and exhaust), would work.

I camp in a travel trailer without hookups in the winter and just run a 2000w genset to power a 1500w electric base board heater. This helps the forced air furnace so it's not on all night. Solar panel charges the trailer battery during the day. This has worked to -17C. In the spring and fall I don't bother with the genset.

In a small enough space you may be able to just throw a base board heater in there. You can rent a generator for $30-$40 a night.

 

[sledderdoc]

I am pretty sure that by time you insulate and heat a trailer properly there would be quite a few nights of hotel accrued...just sayin

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